Sunday, 29 June 2008

A sign of things to come

Gordon is known to be a fan of Sweden's social welfare system. So this story is quite alarming.

A little boy didn't invite two of his classmates to his birthday party - one because they weren't friends, the other because there was no reciprocal invitation.

Sounds fair enough? Bloody Hell, sounds pretty generous to me - can you imagine how expensive that is, particularly now that parties are no longer a piece of cake and a game of 'pass the parcel'.

Anyway, the school doesn't think so. Apparently, children have to invite all of their classmates to such a party, in case one of the little darlings gets so upset that they wreak a horrible revenge on 'society', e.g. getting a job as a civil servant or becoming an MP or Government Minister stabbing people, robbery, etc.

So, how has his been resolved? A quiet word from the class teacher? A short note home to the parents? A phone call from the Head?

Well, no. The school has complained to the Swedish Parliament!

And have they told her to sod off? Apparently not. What the fuck next? What the Hell is wrong with these socialist, nannying societies? And when is this going to be transplanted to the UK, now dominated by socialist, nannying twats like Harriet Harperson?

I can't wait - no doubt, when the Bishop's son doesn't want to invite one of his classmates round for tea, we will be prosecuted under the Human Rights Act, and forced to pay the kid compensation. No matter if the kid comes from a chav family, or is a bully or a thief.

Political

Recently Drunk (Health fascists - FOAD!)

Le Mandolare Recioto di Soave, 2002 - 17/20 (A good recioto di soave, but I've had better ones. Lots of dried fruit, but needs a little more structure to balance the sweetness. Good for the price - this can be very expensive stuff...)

Linden Cabernet Franc, Virginia, US, 2001 - 18/20 (A very well balanced, structured wine that is closer in sensibility to France than its Californian cousins. If you get the chance, try it! Even if the winemaker sounds like a wine ponce! :-)

Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel, California, 2000 - 18/20 (One of the few Ridge Zins that might have been better drunk younger (although it could be that this will open up again given a few more years) - the 1999s are still wonderful, but this is probably just beyond its best. Nonetheless, still full of Ridge's trademark deep, structured fruit and better than almost anything else out there...)

Faustino I Rioja, Gran Reserva, 1996 - 17.5/20 (As the link suggests, supposed to be a top-class Rioja, but I'm not 100% convinced - I'd go for Muga instead. But - especially at a discount from the local supermarket - not at all bad, especially with a good steak)

Joseph Phelps Insignia, Napa Valley, 1993 - 20/20 (I've drunk Ridge Monte Bello, Penfolds Grange... THIS is the best wine I have ever tasted. Complex but still retaining its fruit, perfection in a glass. And even a Frenchman had to agree! :-)